Tacoma Beer Week starts Sunday, Aug. 6, and continues through Aug. 12. In all, more than 40 events are happening at 15 venues. This is the best year yet for collaboration among brewers, which is the one element that consistently takes place every year during the week-long celebration of South Sound suds.

Peaks and Pints, the craft beer and cider bottle shop, taproom and restaurant that opened Nov. 1, 2016 in Tacoma’s Proctor District, celebrates its first official Tacoma Beer Week with a packed week of events. “We trained nine months for Tacoma Beer Week,” says Peaks and Pints co-owner Ron Swarner as he typed this story. “We opened our doors with an event and held what seems like another 253 events since that Nov. 1, 2016 day. We’ve worn wigs. We’ve flown paper airplanes. We’ve hosted feats of strength. We’ve held a lumberjack disco. Our staff has been one a special diet (craft beer) preparing for this week. We’re ready.”

pFriem Family Brewers is celebrating their golden birthday — their 5th anniversary today. “The five-year anniversary party kicks off on August 5th, and you’re invited to take part,” states pFriem anniversary hype. “Hood River’s Waterfront Amphitheater is our meeting spot for a day of live music, lawn games, kid’s entertainment, food, and plenty of pFriem beer! Come one, come all, bring guests, and hang loose. This is going to be epic! This event is free to attend, family-friendly, and open to the public. We encourage our guests to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets as we won’t have seating available. August is typically very warm and sunny in Hood River, so please remember to bring sun protection! Parking is available along Portway Ave.” The party runs from 4-9 p.m. Congratulations pFriem!

Jeff Backman, who grew up in Tacoma, was working as a mechanic when he decided he wanted to do something else with his life. He had long been interested in brewing – even becoming an avid homebrewer – and thought that might be an option someday. Then he learned about Central Washington University’s craft brewing certificate program. After receiving his certificate, Backman quickly found work as an assistant brewer at Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg. Eight months later, he was hired on as the head brewer at the Ram Restaurant and Brewery in Lakewood.